Posted in Texas
May 27, 2015
15 Texas Swimming Holes You Can’t Miss This Summer
Texans are well-accustomed to the sweltering heat that sets in as soon as the calendar says June, so what do we do? Cool off in one of our many magnificent swimming holes, of course! I’ve compiled a list of swimming holes in Texas that you just can’t miss this summer, so make sure to check them out!
Definitely one of Texans' favorite swimming holes to take a dip in when summer comes around! With the ancient limestone rocks surrounding the pool, the gorgeous jade green water, and the stunning waterfall that cascades over the limestone rocks, this swimming hole just can't be beat in my humble opinion.
The only real place to swim here is in the 200 ft deep well, but the drive out is still worth it. Some people like to jump from the rocks up above, but do so at your own risk, of course. Others like to dive down into the depths and explore the openings to other passages, but most people just chill by the well and contemplate jumping off the rocks or not. Beautiful place to swim; I can attest to that!
This swimming hole and the surrounding land is owned by the Krause family, but they allow guests for a small fee, and you can even camp on the grounds if you wish! Several springs feed the natural pool, which makes it nice and cool for swimming in the Texas heat!
Don't worry, I didn't forget all you folks way out west...if you live in the desert of Texas, you probably visit this place quite often. This state park boasts the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world, and the water is crystal-clear. Definitely check this out if you live out that way or are just passing through!
This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning one of Austinites' favorite places to escape the heat in the summer. Be prepared though; the water is absolutely freezing (trust me, I've been here), but I wasn't complaining when it was 97 degrees outside. There's a diving board at the pool, also, and the fact that this is a totally natural pool makes diving that much more fun!
Cypress trees line this beautiful Texas treasure, and the water is nice and clear...and pretty chilly, too. There's a rope swing for those that love to make a big splash, and there's plenty of places to lay your towels and coolers on the grass. I'm so ready to get in the water now..how about you?!
Going to Garner State Park in the summer is brutal without taking a dip in the Frio River - you can kayak, tube, or swim in it, and with the backdrop of the limestone cliffs and mesas, you couldn't ask for a better place to immerse yourself in nature.
If you hike a little ways down the trail at the greenbelt, you'll find an awesome little swimming hole to bask in that's fed by Barton Creek. There's even mini waterfalls that pour over the rocks, and the water is usually a nice blue-green. I've been here, but haven't been swimming yet. The water looks so inviting!
This swimming hole is surrounded by craggy rocks, which are fun to jump off of if you aren't afraid of heights. You can also swim in Inks Lake if the swimming hole gets too overcrowded, and when Valley Spring Creek is running, you can hike to beautiful waterfalls upstream of the lake.
This 15 foot deep swimming hole fed by the Nueces River is located opposite the Rocky River Camp off Texas Highway 55, and there's no entrance fee! Locals love it because it doesn't get as crowded as some of the other swimming holes in Texas.
Pretty awesome shot, right? This is an excellent place for tubing, swimming, white water rafting, and kayaking. There's even a tube chute at the Rio Vista Falls, which is a must do according to the locals!
This one acre spring-fed swimming pool is a popular hangout for Fort Worth residents, probably because there's fountains, diving boards, water slides, sandy beaches, and plenty of shade. Great place to take the family for sure!
East Texas gets ridiculously hot and humid in the summer, which is why people have flocked to this swimming hole for decades. As you can see, there's a diving board, slide, and plenty of places to cool off here! I've been, and the pine trees surrounding the lake make it a peaceful, relaxing place to cool off in the summer.
The hot springs pictured here are consistently a toasty 105 degrees, so summer might not be the best time to visit. If you want to take a dip, I'd recommend going in early morning or early evening to fully enjoy the experience.
There's quite a few Blue Holes in Texas, and this is another great spot to swim in the summer. It's bordered by limestone bluffs along the San Gabriel River, and there's no entrance fee.
There you have it, y’all! What other swimming holes do you think should have made the list? Tell us in the comments!
